A Champion In Augusta

It is estimated that 42 million fans watched Kenny Perry on the final day of the Masters. At some point, every one of them was pulling for the Franklin native to become the oldest to ever win that storied tournament. None of them could have imagined the preparation that got him there. He and his son, Justin, had arrived ten days earlier - walking the hallowed fairways of Augusta, studying the yardage books, examining every break on the treacherous greens, imagining every scenario for a Sunday afternoon.

At some time on that final day, Kenny described himself as an “average golfer.” Hardly. By 6:00 p.m. that Sunday afternoon, he had outlasted and outplayed the number one and number two golfers in the world, not to mention 19 previous Masters champions.

Every professional golfer in the world would have loved to have been in the shoes of Kenny Perry on that last day - standing over a putt to win on the 72nd hole of a magical Master’s Sunday. When it didn’t go in and the other guy’s did, Kenny Perry stood at greenside applauding his competitor. His Bible had said to “honor one another above yourselves.” Kenny did, and a throng of fans around the final green were absolutely amazed.

And when the pressure packed playoff had ended, and someone else was fitted for the green jacket, Kenny Perry with unbelievable poise stepped up to a microphone to respond. Hurting deeply inside, he praised his competitor and expressed thanks for the incredible opportunity of those four days. His Bible had read, “Let your speech be always with grace...” Kenny’s was, and 42 million fans admired him even more.

In Franklin, Kentucky, we are extremely proud to call Kenny Perry our champion.